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03 Qualities of Writing

Page
018
from
Write on Track

Qualities of Writing Opening Page

Start-Up Activity

Ask students to name their favorite books and stories. Have them explain why they like them so much. During your discussion, point out that strong writing shares certain qualities or features. Then inform the class that they will study these qualities in this chapter. Follow by reading the introduction.

Think About It

“I start with an idea I’ve jotted in a notebook. I have file folders full of ideas.”

—James Howe

State Standards Covered in This Chapter

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.4

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.5

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.7

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.1

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.2

LAFS Covered in This Chapter

LAFS.3.W.2.4

LAFS.3.W.2.5

LAFS.3.W.3.7

LAFS.3.L.1.1

LAFS.3.L.1.2

TEKS Covered in This Chapter

110.5.b.11.A

110.5.b.11.B.i

110.5.b.11.B.ii

110.5.b.11.C

110.5.b.11.D

110.5.b.13

110.5.b.1.C

TEKS Covered in This Chapter

Page 019 from Write on Track

A Closer Look at Structure

Display a photograph of a camping tent. Ask students if they have ever set up and/or slept in a tent. Have the responders explain the structure of the tent—and what would happen if the tent wasn’t pitched properly. Then read and discuss the first part of page 19. Stress to students that each part—the beginning, middle, and ending—has an important role in an effective piece of writing. Take any of these parts away, and the writing collapses in on itself.

Next, read and discuss “Organizing the Writing.” Point out that these patterns apply to the details in the middle part of writing. Also refer to the patterns on pages 61–63. If the details aren’t organized effectively, readers won’t be able to follow them. Consider sharing a paragraph with the details in a confusing order to illustrate this point. Ask students to rearrange the details so they can be followed.

Related Minilesson:
State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.3.W.2.4
TEKS Standard:
110.5.b.11.A, 110.5.b.11.B.i, 110.5.b.11.B.ii
NE ELA Standard:
LA 3.2.1, LA 3.2.1.a, LA 3.2.1.b

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 3
Mode:
Writing Basics
21st Century Skills:
Writing
English Language Arts:
Qualities of WritingStructure

Page 020 from Write on Track

A Closer Look at Ideas

Read and discuss the first part of page 20. Stress that it is important for students to (1) write about topics that truly interest them and (2) that they share interesting details about their topics. Then have students turn to one of the paragraphs on pages 55–58. Identify the topic and two or three important support details in the paragraph.

Then read and discuss “Sharing Your Ideas.” The sentences in strong writing flow smoothly and are easy to read; the words help the reader picture the topic. Discuss the sentences and words in the paragraph referred to above.

Related Minilesson:
State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.3.W.2.4
TEKS Standard:
110.5.b.11.A, 110.5.b.11.B.i, 110.5.b.11.B.ii
NE ELA Standard:
LA 3.2.1, LA 3.2.1.a, LA 3.2.1.b

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 3
Mode:
Writing Basics
21st Century Skills:
Writing
English Language Arts:
Qualities of WritingIdeas

Page 021 from Write on Track

A Closer Look at Conventions

Have one student try to read the first example on page 21. Then have another student read the clearer second example. Inform students that it is important to follow the rules of standard English when writing, because they help communicate the ideas. The rules are like road signs, because they keep the reader moving from one idea to the next. But also point out that conventions are no more important than the structure and ideas in writing.

State Standard Reference:
LAFS Standard:
LAFS.3.W.2.4
TEKS Standard:
110.5.b.11.A, 110.5.b.11.B.i, 110.5.b.11.B.ii
NE ELA Standard:
LA 3.2.1, LA 3.2.1.a, LA 3.2.1.b

Related Resource Tags

Click to view a list of tags that tie into other resources on our site

Level:
Grade 3
Mode:
Writing Basics
21st Century Skills:
Writing
English Language Arts:
Qualities of WritingConventionsCorrect Conventions